Workshops—2014 National PTA Legislative Conference

Session 1

1A. Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: National PTA has a longstanding history of advocacy to protect the rights of children and youth involved in the justice system. In this workshop, presenters will provide an overview of juvenile justice policy, including key protections for children in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA,) and discuss the National PTA’s current federal advocacy efforts in this area.

Speakers:

Jessica Seitz, Education Policy Analyst, National PTA

Elizabeth Ysla Leight, Member, National PTA Legislative Committee

Carmen E. Daugherty, Policy Director, Campaign for Youth Justice

Materials:

1B. Nutrition in Schools: USDA Guidelines around and Implementation Progress: In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act to reauthorize federal child nutrition programs. Since then schools around the country have been implementing improved meal offerings in the lunchroom. For the 2014-2015 school year schools will also be making updates to all foods sold to kids during the school day, including a la carte lines, vending machines, school stores and some fundraisers. Advocates will leave with the information they need to know to support schools and PTA members through this healthy update to school foods.

Speakers:

Stella Edwards, Chair, National PTA Legislative Committee

Julie Brewer, Chief, School Programs Branch, Child Nutrition Policy and Program Development Division, Food and Nutrition Service at U.S Department of Education

Jessica Donze Black, Director, Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project

Laura Hatch, National Outreach Advisor, Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Materials:

1C. ESEA-NCLB Reauthorization and Family Engagement: In the 113th Congress both the Senate and House made efforts to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act-No Child Left Behind (ESEA-NCLB). Find out what was included in those reform efforts, PTA priorities, and where we are today. We will also discuss family engagement provisions (driven by the Family Engagement in Education Act) that have been considered.

Speakers:

Mollie Van Lieu, Senior Education Policy Strategist, National PTA

Vito Borello, Member, National PTA Legislative Committee

Materials:

1D. Engaging Local Units in Advocacy: Grassroots approaches are especially effective for highlighting why PTA is relevant and making changes that families, schools, and the community can see right away. This workshop will discuss best practices for engaging PTA units and members in local advocacy. Discussion will include how to identify an advocacy item; how to create an advocacy plan; how to recruit and engage PTA members and the community; and how to build relationships to effectively work with local leaders.

Speakers:

Erica Lue, Advocacy Coordinator, National PTA

Brian Bonner, Vice Chair, National PTA Legislative Committee

Yvonne Johnson, Delaware PTA Federal Legislative Chair'

Materials:

Session 2

2A. Special Education:Learn how parents can advocate on behalf of children with special needs and assist them in obtaining the supports and services that children need to succeed in school. Presenters will provide a general overview of special education policy, including the Individuals Education Program (IEP) and K-12 transitions.

Materials:

2B. Federal Funding: A Primer for Advocates: Sequest-what? The past few years have been quite hectic in the federal funding arena. What does it mean for education? Is the process actually being followed? How do we advocate amid uncertainty? This workshop will take a simple approach to explaining the federal budget process and actions that have happened throughout the past year, including reductions in education spending, sequestration, and appropriations. Advocates will leave with a better understanding of the process and tools to better educate membership on the impact of the federal funding process

Speakers:

Mollie Van Lieu, Senior Education Policy Strategist, National PTA

Elizabeth Ysla Leight, Member, National PTA Legislative Committee

Materials:

2C. Early Childhood Education: Federal Policy Update: The education of our earliest learners is critical for their future academic and career success. Early childhood education has become a top priority of the Obama Administration and among leaders in the 113th Congress. This workshop will provide information on current early childhood education programs and updates on legislation pending in Congress.

Speakers:

Jessica Seitz, Education Policy Analyst, National PTA

Stella Edwards, Chair, National PTA Legislative Committee

Adele B. Robinson, Deputy Executive Director, National Association for the Education of Young Children

Materials:

2D. Using Social Media for Advocacy: Social media has emerged as an excellent platform for garnering support for issues, and PTAs at all levels can utilize this technology to their advantage. Discussion will include how to sign up for social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will be the primary focuses), using e-advocacy platforms, post frequency, best practices for posting content, and reaching new people.